Your Joy Brings God Glory
I used to deflect any praise of men. It’s what I thought I should do. In fact, if I ever received a compliment in the name of ministry, I imagined it was almost evil. For example, if someone came up to me after I ministered (taught or led worship) and complimented me on my delivery, saying something like, “Great job” or “Man, that was a good word,” I just couldn’t receive it. Inwardly, I loved it, but outwardly, I just couldn’t allow myself to go there. I would say something like, “It’s not me, it’s God.”
Believe it or not, this sort of exchange is fairly common in the church world.
However, for the last several years, it’s almost as if the Father has been killing that sacred cow in my own heart. For me, it’s been liberating, as I’m seeing the sharing nature of the Father to include us in the process of unveiling his glory and goodness.
Remember how Jesus included the servants to share in the unveiling of his glory. Although he could’ve taken over and demonstrated his glory without the involvement of other people, he gladly chose to include weak, broken people in the process. For those that knew who he was, just imagine how overjoyed and honored they must have felt to be asked to help. Their coming alive, I believe, brought Jesus great joy and honor.
Think of it like this: when we buy a gift for our children, we are using that gift to bring joy to our children. Allow me to illustrate.
When my son, Luke, was younger, he played a lot of baseball. He loved it, and I loved that he loved it. It was a way for us to share many amazing moments together. In order to enhance the experience and to compliment his passion for the sport, I bought (quite literally spoiled) him with some of the best baseball gear money could buy.
In fact, about every year, I would buy him the latest and the greatest bat on the market. I knew buying that bat meant a greater experience for Luke personally. Using the bat would bring greater joy to the sport he was currently engaged in. I wasn’t buying that baseball bat so that parents would look over and say, “Wow, that kid’s dad is awesome.” Nor did I buy it so that every time Luke got a great hit, he’d look over and say, “That wasn’t me, it was my dad.”
No, I bought that bat for Luke simply because I wanted him to enjoy it and receive some praise and encouragement along the way. That in itself made me smile. The joy he received along the way brought me great joy.
Parents, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Are you seeing how this thing works?
So, I release you right now: go ahead and receive that compliment—receive that praise—and don’t follow it up with, “It’s not me, it’s him.” I’m pretty sure those complimenting you are referring to you as the one holding the mic, preaching that sermon, singing that song, swinging that bat, and doing whatever you are doing. Simply receive it and say, “Thank you.”
Be free in this and know that it’s not a sin to receive an occasional compliment or pat on the back. It actually serves as part of the experience of coming alive in whatever you’re doing. I also imagine it’s one way the Father is winking at us. Let it serve as a way of people seeing the Father’s movement and dance through you.
Remember, there is no separation from the Father, Son, and Spirit in any part of your life—They are involved in it all.
Grace and peace!
-RA
This blog is an excerpt from my book, “Fascinated: Living in Awe of the Father.” Get your copy here.
